After transforming the menu at the celebrated Eleven Madison Park, making it entirely plant-based, Daniel Humm continues to get busy. Aiming to attract a younger and more diverse audience, the chef enriches his restaurant experience by opening the Clemente Bar, a less formal but equally refined extension of the renowned three-starred restaurant.
Cover photo: Jason Varney
A new chapter for Eleven Madison Park
Opened October 10, the new place is located just above the main restaurant, in the heart of Manhattan, and promises to offer amore casual and dynamic atmosphere than the sophisticated EMP, while maintaining the excellence in food and beverage quality that has made Humm internationally famous.
An artistic collaboration of excellence
The name of the bar, Clemente Bar, pays homage toItalian artist Francesco Clemente, a New York resident and a leading figure in neo-expressionism. The collaboration between Humm and Clemente did not come about by chance: the two, over the years, developed a friendship and creative relationship that led the chef to even pose as the subject for a portrait of the artist, the Robb Report states.
For Clemente Bar, the artist has created hand-painted frescoes that decorate the walls of the place, transforming it into a full-fledged art gallery. The frescoes are not just a decorative element, but represent the aesthetic and conceptual centerpiece of the space, helping to create an environment that blends art, design and fine dining.
Innovative cocktails and gourmet snacks
The experience at Clemente Bar is meticulously curated, withspecial attention paid to the selection of cocktails. EMP's beverage director, Sebastian Tollius, has designed a menu that is divided into three main categories: Fresh, Clarified and Bold.
Each category offers three unique offerings designed to surprise customers' palates. Among the most original creations are the Against the Grain, inspired by the classic Old Fashioned, and the Negroni Colada, a surprising combination of a Negroni and a Piña Colada. Guests can choose to accompany the cocktails with a selection of gourmet snacks, designed to offer sophisticated yet accessible flavors.
Highlights include avocado pockets stuffed with sushi rice and finger limes, and the agedashi dog, a vegan hot dog made with fried tofu and black truffle.
An exclusive dining experience
For those who want a more complete experience, Clemente Bar also offers a multi-course tasting menu, served at an exclusive eight-seat bar. Priced at $225 per person, it includes a custom cocktail pairing from Tollius for a sensory journey combining food, drink, and artistic ambiance.
Even at Clemente Bar, the menu is entirely plant-based: "Since we started offering 100 percent plant-based dishes at EMP, we realized that the clientele was changing, young people are increasingly interested in this type of cuisine. My goal is to bring them as close as possible," states Humm.
A new landmark in New York City
With the opening of Clemente Bar, Daniel Humm confirms himself not only as a starred chef but also as an entrepreneur capable of interpreting and anticipating trends. The goal is not only to maintain excellence, but to create a place that is both refined and accessible, a meeting point between art and conviviality.
Thanks to the prestige of Eleven Madison Park and a collaboration with internationally renowned artist Francesco Clemente, the new cocktail bar already looks like one of the most interesting new additions to New York City's dining and cultural scene.
